Here stands a bronze figure. This is the Monument to Brave Soldier Shveyk. It appeared in St. Petersburg relatively recently. It became one of the iconic sights in 2003.
The initiative came from restaurant owners. Unlike other Russian cities, restaurateurs immortalized the literary hero. They commemorated the Czech writer Jaroslav Hasek. He described the misadventures of the unforgettable soldier in his satirical works.
The bronze Monument to Brave Soldier Shveyk stands on Balkanskaya Square. The location was not chosen by chance. A street named after the Czech writer begins here.
The St. Petersburg Brave Soldier stands on an 80-centimeter pedestal. The figure is life-size at 160 cm. This was the height of the literary character.
Sculptors A. Charkin and D. Pakhomov fully captured the essence of the hero. The monument portrays the brave soldier in a jester style. It corresponds to his simple and cheerful image. Shveyk salutes with his right hand. He holds a drinking mug behind his back.
The sculptors conveyed the literary character. The author wanted to bring the popular satirical work to his readers.
Richard Hasek attended the opening ceremony. He studies the literary heritage of his famous grandfather. However, Jaroslav Hasek never visited St. Petersburg.
Thanks to its originality, the bronze sculpture of Shveyk became a popular landmark. It is one of the most visited places in the Northern capital. People say that the Brave Soldier fulfills wishes. One needs to ask him about the most secret desire. Then rub his drinking mug on his back.